Shelby Recalls Novelty Paperweights and Pens Containing Kerosene

Plain-English summary

Shelby Ltd., Division of Wang's International, recalled approximately 40,000 novelty paperweights and pens in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recalled items include five styles of plastic paperweights (Ocean In The Box, Floating Eye, Antique Car, Magic Diamond, and Water Timer) and clear plastic pens with an eyeball in the middle. These products contain kerosene or other petroleum distillates.

The recall was issued because the liquid contents can be hazardous if inhaled into the lungs or swallowed if the products break and leak. Additionally, the liquid is combustible, presenting a flammability hazard. The products were sold nationwide through school stores to children from kindergarten through the sixth grade from October through December 1996 for about $4 to $5. Shelby Ltd. received at least 10 reports of the paperweights breaking and releasing their contents, but no injuries have been reported.

The firm is out of business and cannot be contacted. Consumers should take the paperweights and pens away from children immediately and discard or destroy them.

The recalled product

Product

Wang's Floating Eye, Antique Car plastic paperweights

Manufacturer

Wang's International

Category

Consumer Product — Novelty Items

Hazard

• poisoning
• fire

Distribution

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